Priest killer's sentence will be appealed

Friday

Sep 23, 2011 at 12:53 PM

Nate MonroeStaff Writer

A Thibodaux judge ruled again today that the 33-year-old convicted last month of the 1992 killing of a Thibodaux priest cannot be sentenced to prison time for the slaying because he was 14 at the time.District Attorney Cam Morvant II told the Daily Comet on Friday afternoon that he will appeal the judge's ruling.Derrick Odomes is already serving a life sentence under the state's habitual offender law for a string of felony convictions he had racked up in the 19 years since the Rev. Hunter Horgan was found bludgeoned to death inside his office at St. John Episcopal Church in Thibodaux.Under state law, a person convicted of four or more felonies and declared a habitual offender can face between 20 years and life in prison. Horgan's family had hoped for a second life sentence for Odomes, though they said they understood LeBlanc's decision. John Perry, Horgan's cousin, looked at Odomes as he testified about the impact Horgan's death had on his family.“You, son, will spend the rest of your life in jail; I hope with two life sentences,” Perry said.

Check back for more details.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.